How to Craft Your Essay for the EverBank Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Material Buckets

To create a well-rounded essay, explore the four material buckets:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history, upbringing, and experiences that have shaped who you are today. Consider significant moments that influenced your path toward higher education.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments, focusing on metrics and outcomes. Include leadership roles, community service, academic honors, or relevant work experience. Be specific about your contributions and the impact you made.
• The Gap: Identify areas where you seek growth. What knowledge or skills do you lack that this scholarship will help you acquire? Explain how further study at Stetson University fits into your academic and career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reflect your values and character. Share anecdotes that reveal your motivations and passions, helping the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Develop a clear outline based on your brainstorming. Organize your thoughts logically, ensuring each section flows into the next. Start with an engaging introduction that draws the reader in, followed by sections that cover each of the four buckets. Conclude with a strong statement that ties your experiences and aspirations together.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and precise language. Open with a concrete moment or scene that captures your experience, avoiding clichés. Reflect on what you learned from your experiences and why it matters. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea, providing a clear transition to the next.

Revision & “So What?”

After completing your draft, take a step back and review your work. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that your reflections are meaningful and demonstrate personal growth. Edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or peers to gain new perspectives.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls in scholarship essays:

• Avoid vague statements and generalizations. Provide specific examples and evidence to support your claims.
• Steer clear of clichés and overused phrases that may dilute your message.
• Do not fabricate experiences or achievements; authenticity is crucial.
• Refrain from using passive voice where an active subject exists, as this weakens your narrative.